A hot pop-radio item in the early and middle '90s, Jon Secada makes a bid to return to his previous multiplatinum status with Better Part of Me. Led by "Stop," a catchy if somewhat bland single that appears in both Engl... more &raquoish and Spanish, the album carries on in the vein of Secada's past work, melding dramatic but not overdone vocals with Latin-lite elements (the acoustic guitar plucking of "Love's About to Change My Mind" and the salsa-meets-surf blend of "Papi") and production touches that are sure to garner the disc play time in a variety of dance-floor settings. While the material is an unsurprisingly mixed bag, the best of it will appeal to Ricky and Marc fans who are ready to (re-)embrace another heartthrob. --Rickey Wright&laquo less

Synopsis

Amazon.com

A hot pop-radio item in the early and middle '90s, Jon Secada makes a bid to return to his previous multiplatinum status with Better Part of Me. Led by "Stop," a catchy if somewhat bland single that appears in both English and Spanish, the album carries on in the vein of Secada's past work, melding dramatic but not overdone vocals with Latin-lite elements (the acoustic guitar plucking of "Love's About to Change My Mind" and the salsa-meets-surf blend of "Papi") and production touches that are sure to garner the disc play time in a variety of dance-floor settings. While the material is an unsurprisingly mixed bag, the best of it will appeal to Ricky and Marc fans who are ready to (re-)embrace another heartthrob. --Rickey Wright

CD Reviews

The best in years

Michael Brennan - mlbrennan@excite. | Avon, CT USA | 07/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have read some reviews on other websites that have been less than favorable to Secada's new album, Better Part of Me. However, as a fan of his work from the beginning, I have to say that his voice, style, and music have all improved over the course of time that he has been out of the limelight. Beginning the CD with Stop, an immediate attention grabber and fun dance song, the rest of the songs that follow are chosen so well from the 70 songs written for the CD that they almost seem to flow together. Secada's own lyrics for the songs include such awesome phrases like "I'll imagine your face in the morning light...I'll speak to the wind." This song, Speak to the Wind" is a beautiful ballad about wishing that a loved one would return. In the title track, as well as in most of the songs, Jon builds the music to a breathtaking crescendo. One thing that I would have liked to see on this album would be some songs co-written by Miguel Morejon, who penned such hits as Angel and If You Go. However, I believe that Jon Secada has come back with a better album that reflects his grown talents and I hope he does not "stop" anytime soon. His voice and style remind me that he was the one who paved the way for latin music and I believe that "Better Part of Me" shows those artists who followed his footsteps that he is not yet out of the picture. I think this is one of the best pop albums to come out in years."

Better Part of Jon

SEC | NY | 08/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a three-year hiatus, Jon returns will an album true to the style that made him a star. The great lead-off single "Stop" is one of his most dance-oriented tracks ever and really shows how he has expanded his repitoire. Other notable tracks include the upbeat dance "Love's About to Change My Mind", which sounds like it could have been recorded by the Backstreet Boys. Other good dance tracks "Better Part of Me" and "Speak to the Wind" sound like they could have appeared on Cher's "Believe" set. Of course there are the signature ballads "Break the Walls", "There's No Sunshine Anymore", and "When You're Gone" which really stand out. Since he was gone for so long and has said he auditioned a myriad of songs, it would have been nice to have a few more original tracks, although the Spanish track "Dentro de ti" is pretty good. Also includes a hidden bonus salsa remix of "Asi" (the Spanish version of "Stop"). This is a very good album, with catchy hooks, great vocals and decent lyrics, and will hopefully reintroduce Jon back into mainstream pop."

One of the most underated singers

Little Miss Cutey | Melbourne, Australia | 09/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jon Secada is brilliant. It's a shame that more people don't know that. I love this cd. The four best songs are, Stop, Speak to the Wind, Better Part of Me and my absolute favourite is Love's About to Change My Mind. I can't understand why he's not been a bigger artist. There is good latin routed sounds on this album and there's a good mix of fast and slow songs. I know you'll love this cd. I do. I wish he'd bring out another english cd."

For anyone that loves good music

Little Miss Cutey | 06/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is really good and has Jon's smooth and commanding vocals on it. The Dance-Pop songs like "Papi" and the hit single "Stop" are really good. He really shines on the ballads such as "Break My Walls", "Lost Inside of You",etc., one see why one likes him so much. The album pretty stylish and really good overall. Don't sleep on this CD anyone, this quality music here!"

Jon Secada Rules!!

Trellis Frazier | New Orleans, Louisiana | 04/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved this CD! Jon has a very nice voice. My favorite song on this album was track number 5. "There's no sunshine any more." I didn't like the song "Papi" that much, but other than that, all the songs rocked! I love you Jon!"